Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• 'Supersize Me' filmmaker sells out with a smile
  Morgan Spurlock wants to sell you something. Actually many things. The maverick filmmaker who ate nothing but fast food for a month for his movie, "Supersize Me," has now turned his attention to product placement in films.4:49 p.m.
• Nonprofit teams up with Fannie Mae to help Minnesotans facing foreclosure
  Homeowners working with their lenders to avoid foreclosure face a lot of red tape, but a new service offered by the Minnesota Home Ownership Center may make the process easier for some.4:54 p.m.
• Republicans defend slow progress on budget fix bills
  Budget matters took a backseat to policy issues Wednesday at the State Capitol, even though lawmakers have just a month left in the session to erase a $5 billion deficit.5:20 p.m.
• Lawmakers debate police role in enforcing immigration laws
  Currently, Minneapolis and St. Paul have "separation ordinances," meaning police in those two cities do not ask residents they interact with about their immigration status, unless it pertains to a crime. A bill discussed in a House committee Wednesday would prohibit that practice.5:25 p.m.
• On day of vaccine forum, 2 more measles cases confirmed in Minn.
  On the same day as a vaccination forum in St. Paul, the Minnesota Department of Health confirmed two more measles cases Wednesday, bringing the state's outbreak total to 23.5:49 p.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• Obama Releases Birth Certificate
  President Obama Wednesday released a long-form version of his Hawaiian birth certificate. Questions about the place of his birth have long been the subject of conspiracy theories — even though the answer has long been established in Honolulu. Obama said he hoped his six-minute statement would put the matter to rest, but on Wednesday, the statement put the issue front and center.
• Obama Chides Media For Role In 'Birther' Controversy
  The president released his birth certificate to quell persistent rumors he was not born in this country. In doing so, he said that for too long the nation has been distracted from weighty matters by "sideshows and carnival barkers."
• Mozambique Coal Mine Brings Jobs, Concerns
  In order to keep up with its growing demand for raw materials, Brazil has set up a coal mine in Mozambique. And while the mine is providing jobs to locals and coal to global economies, it also required that 5,000 people relocate.
• John Paul's Rise Toward Sainthood: Going Too Fast?
  John Paul II will be beatified in Rome on Sunday, bringing him one step away from sainthood. But some Catholics question whether the late pope is being elevated a bit too fast. They say special care is needed — especially because he presided during the clerical sex abuse scandal.
• Letters: Case-Shiller Home Price Index
  Michele Norris and Melissa Block read emails from listeners about the Case-Shiller home price index.
• Do The Threats In Syria Have Muscle?
  European countries are trying to exert pressure on the regime in Syria as the Syrian government escalates its bloody crackdown on protesters. More than 400 people have been killed since protests began nearly six weeks ago. European Union countries summoned Syrian ambassadors Wednesday and warned they could impose sanctions and freeze assets if the killing continues. For more on the situation in Syria, Melissa Block speaks with Ted Kattouf. He is a former U.S. ambassador to Syria and now president and CEO of AmiEast, a non-profit dedicated to education, training and development in the Middle East.
• Syrian Expatriates Discuss Recent Violence
  As the tanks roll into to the suburbs of Damascus and opposition activists release reports of more deaths at the hands of President Bashar Assad's regime, Syrians in neighboring countries say their families back home are beginning to turn against Assad.
• GOP Budget Architect Heads Home To Mixed Reviews
  House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan has drawn huge crowds at listening sessions in his Wisconsin district. While a few constituents have asked him to run for president in 2012, others have raised a slew of concerns, from what will happen to their medical coverage to Ryan's plan to cut taxes for the wealthy.
• Weary Of The Pressure, The Voice Of The Triple Crown Races Walks Away
  Tom Durkin says the stress and anxiety of calling the races on national TV were too much for him. It was like being at bat in the last game of the World Series when your team's behind, he says.
• Bombino: Unfamiliar Suffering Gets A Universal Treatment
  Forced to leave his hometown of Agadez when rebellion broke out in Niger, young Tuareg guitarist Bombino filters his hardships through the familiar sound of rock 'n' roll.

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